Disaster relief and disaster preparedness
We partner with GIVIT to support Queensland communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. We also partner with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) to support local community organisations to plan, prepare and reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
CURRENT APPEALS
Western Queensland Flood Appeal
Hand Heart Pocket has donated $50,000 on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland to assist people impacted by flooding in western Queensland.
Major flooding occurred after the region received up to 600mm of rain across five days in late March, which is nearly double the yearly average.
Across Stonehenge, Jundah and Windorah the levels exceeded those of the 1974 flood, marking this event the biggest flood in living memory for many locals.
With the clean-up and recovery phase now in full swing, graziers are counting their livestock losses, and impacted residents in Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie and Winton, are cleaning up their inundated homes.
Our donation, via GIVIT, will ensure that people impacted by these floods receive the essential goods and services they need.
Visit here to donate to the Western Queensland Flood Appeal, and please remember to include the reference HHP QLD263.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Appeal
Hand Heart Pocket has donated $50,000 on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland to assist people impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought strong winds and heavy rain to the South-East of Queensland, before crossing the mainland just north of Brisbane on Saturday, March 8.
Communities from Coolangatta to Hervey Bay, and inland across the south-west experienced damaging winds, extensive flooding and unprecedented power outages, as the ex-tropical cyclone made its way across Queensland and into New South Wales.
Our donation, via GIVIT, will ensure that people impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred receive the essential goods and services they need.
Visit here to donate to the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Appeal, and please remember to include the reference HHP QLD262.
North Queensland Flood Appeal
Hand Heart Pocket has provided a $75,000 donation to GIVIT on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland, ensuring urgent relief reaches people impacted by flooding across North Queensland.
In January 2025, Cardwell, Ingham and Townsville experienced devastating flooding, with entire towns isolated by flood waters and extensive power outages.
GIVIT is partnering with the Queensland Government, local councils and recovery organisations to help people impacted by the floods get the essential goods and services they need.
Visit here to donate to the North Queensland Flood Appeal, and please remember to include the reference HHP QLD261.
GIVIT
Starting again, after a natural disaster isn’t easy. Our partnership with GIVIT enables us to provide immediate assistance to those most in need following a natural disaster here in Queensland.
When a disaster strikes, we make a special donation to that community on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland through GIVIT. We also open a Disaster Relief Appeal donation page on our website so our Members and their families can make a financial contribution if they can.
GIVIT distributes 100% of donations, quickly, through local community organisations. These organisations assess individuals’ needs and let GIVIT know what’s needed.
Where possible essential supplies are purchased locally so the donation also helps local businesses. Vouchers for groceries, clothing and other essentials are provided so people get exactly what they need.
About GIVIT
GIVIT is a Queensland based not-for-profit and is one of the Queensland Government’s disaster relief coordinators.
Check if your local community organisation is registered with GIVIT. If not encourage them to see if they are eligible, so that support made possible by our partnership with GIVIT can flow through to people in your community, in their time of need. Registration is free. Go to: www.givit.org.au/sign-up
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
Supporting communities to build resilience to future disaster is equally important. We partner with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) to support local communities in Queensland to prepare and plan their response to future disasters and put in place mitigations that will reduce the impact if disaster strikes.
The Strengthening Rural Communities grants program is administered by FRRR for local community organisations in regional and remote communities across Queensland. Hand Heart Pocket has donated $112,500 towards this program.
Applications to FRRR are taken year-round and community organisations can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to bring community-led initiatives to fruition like:
– building community capability through first aid training, disaster management arrangements training, leadership in disasters etc
– making sure generator or battery power is available during evacuations
– encouraging tourism back to areas recently recovered from a disaster
For more information and to apply go to frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-prepare-recover/
Have questions? Contact the Hand Heart Pocket office on 07 3493 6000 or info@handheartpocket.org.au during business hours and the team will be able to help you
Want to make an enquiry?
Get in touch with our team and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
News & Publications
Hand Heart Pocket donates $50,000 to the Western Queensland Flood Appeal
Hand Heart Pocket donates $50,000 to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred response – how to help
Murilla Community hub gets a boost thanks to Miles Freemasons
Hand Heart Pocket donates $75,000 for North Queensland flood relief – how you can help
